Our thanks to young artist Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur her illustration of the dromaeosaur Austroraptor cabazai. It is a beautiful Austroraptor cabazai drawing.  It was a fierce Late Cretaceous theropod known from fragmentary cranial material. Caldey designed the animal’s colour scheme herself. It is an original illustration following in the footsteps of famous palaeoartists. Congratulations Caldey, it is a stunning piece of art.

Our thanks to Caldey for sending into Everything Dinosaur her amazing illustration of the head of the Late Cretaceous dromaeosaurid Austroraptor (A. cabazai). Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

An Austroraptor cabazai Drawing

Austroraptor cabazai is known from fossil remains found in the Allen Formation (Patagonia, Argentina). It was formally named and described in 2008. This dinosaur lived around seventy million years ago.  The name translates as “Southern Thief”. The specific name “cabazai” was chosen in honour of Héctor “Tito” Cabaza, who founded the Museo Municipal de Lamarque where the specimen was first studied.

The Austroraptor cabazai scale drawing prepared by Everything Dinosaur in anticipation of the arrival of the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Austroraptor figure. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Sue from Everything Dinosaur praised Caldey’s drawing and commented:

“Caldey has once again impressed us with her artistic talent. Her colourful Austroraptor illustration captures the power and character of this dinosaur beautifully. Indeed, the details around the eye and head are amazing. We are delighted to share Caldey’s artwork with fellow dinosaur fans.”

We always enjoy receiving prehistoric animal themed artwork from young artists. They show how dinosaurs continue to inspire. Furthermore, these drawings highlight the creativity of the artist. Our thanks once again to Caldey for sending us her remarkable Austroraptor cabazai illustration.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Sue and Mike from Everything Dinosaur have commissioned an exclusive Coronosaurus brinkmani scale drawing. It will be used in the Coronosaurus fact sheet sent out free of charge with sales of the forthcoming PNSO Russo the Coronosaurus model.

An exclusive Coronosaurus brinkmani scale drawing. This illustration will be incorporated into the Coronosaurus fact sheet sent out by Everything Dinosaur with sales of the new for 2025 PNSO Coronosaurus ceratopsian figure. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike from Everything Dinosaur stated that the PNSO Coronosaurus dinosaur model would be in stock shortly.

To view the PNSO range of prehistoric animal models: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models.

The Coronosaurus brinkmani Scale Drawing

Previously thought to represent an early species of Centrosaurus, a phylogenetic assessment led to a reappraisal and the establishment of a new taxon.  Coronosaurus brinkmani was erected in 2012.  It is known from two extensive bonebeds from the Oldman Formation of southern Alberta.  The species name honours Canadian palaeontologist Donald Brinkman. Now retired, Don was a distinguished palaeontologist and long-time researcher in palaeoecology at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta. The species name recognises his significant contribution to understanding Late Cretaceous ecosystems.

The centrosaurine figure (PNSO Coronosaurus) shown in anterior view.  Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a C. brinkmani scale drawing.

Most horned dinosaurs have individual bony horns or spikes along the top edge of their neck frills. Each one is attached to a separate spot. Uniquely, Coronosaurus grew dozens together in a single cluster.  Moreover, this feature has not been found in other ceratopsians.  It has been suggested that this unusual ornamentation played a role in species recognition or mate selection.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Our scale drawing shows this dinosaur in lateral view.  We chose this orientation to provide the best indication of the animal’s size. Sadly, in lateral view the incredible neck frill is not clear in our illustration.  Naturally, we could have shown this dinosaur in anterior view.  However, this would have compromised the clarity of our scale drawing.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Everything Dinosaur team members have prepared an exclusive Guizhouichthyosaurus scale drawing in preparation for the arrival of a new PNSO figure.  Guizhouichthyosaurus (G. tangae) is known from south and southwestern China.  It was a large ichthyosaur possibly a member of the Shastasauridae family.  This ichthyosaur is known from several, pancaked specimens.  Including near complete individuals.  Size estimates vary but some fossils indicate an adult animal length in excess of seven metres.

An exclusive Guizhouichthyosaurus scale drawing commissioned for use in a fact sheet about this large Triassic ichthyosaur. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Guizhouichthyosaurus Scale Drawing

The scale drawing has been commissioned for use in a free fact sheet that will be sent out with the new PNSO Guizhouichthyosaurus figure. This marine reptile model is due in stock at Everything Dinosaur shortly.

To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models in stock: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs.

An amazing specimen measuring 4.8 metres in length found in 2010 but not formally described until 2020 contained the remains of another marine reptile, a 4-metre-long thalattosaur (Xinpusaurus xingyiensis). This most likely represents the oldest record of megafaunal predation by a marine reptile and the oldest example of megapredation.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post about this remarkable fossil discovery: New Study Reveals Oldest Example of Megapredation.

A Generalist Feeder

Guizhouichthyosaurus ate other prey items as well, as evidenced by a G. tangae specimen preserving fish bones as well as some bivalves in its stomach region.  Another specimen contained around a kilogram of gastroliths.  Gastroliths (stomach stones) in ichthyosaurs is rare.  It has been suggested that these stones were consumed accidently, perhaps during feeding on bivalves and worms on the seabed. The gastroliths were different to the surrounding fossil matrix.  This indicates that these stones were collected in a different environment from where the carcase of the animal settled.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We have encouraged PNSO to make more replicas of Chinese prehistoric animals.  The Guizhouichthyosaurus model is one of two ichthyosaurs coming into stock at Everything Dinosaur shortly.  We expect Guizhouichthyosaurus to arrive in a few weeks, the second figure Guanlingsaurus is expected in the early autumn.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Figures.

At Everything Dinosaur, we’re always thrilled to see how prehistoric animals spark creativity.  For example, we admire the artwork and illustrations of young dinosaur palaeoartist Phoebe Ginger. Phoebe has been a loyal customer of Everything Dinosaur for over five years.  Sue and I met up with Phoebe at this year’s Lyme Regis Fossil Festival.  It was a pleasure chatting to this talented artist.

Her drawings are full of bold, bright colours.  The artwork features confident lines and her passion for prehistoric animals, especially dinosaurs shines through.

A colourful addition to a desk. A coaster featuring the artwork of young dinosaur palaeoartist Phoebe Ginger. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Phoebe has her own individual style.  Moreover, her understanding of the Dinosauria is demonstrated by the small details she adds to her illustrations.  For instance, the large claw on the front foot of the sauropod and the inclusion of ginkgo leaves on the sauropod coaster. Phoebe blends a flair for scientific detail with a vibrant imagination.

A Young Dinosaur Palaeoartist

Sue and I are always amazed by the passion and skill of our customers.  We admire the artistry and creativity of Phoebe. Her work is certainly unique.  Furthermore, it is a vivid celebration of ancient life. Her growing on-line portfolio is a joy to explore, creating art that appeals to dinosaur fans of all ages. In addition, it is a real testament to how dinosaurs continue to inspire young minds.

To see more of Phoebe’s beautiful artwork, visit her website: Phoebe Ginger.

We believe young artists like Phoebe play a vital role in keeping palaeontology alive through creativity. Dinosaurs aren’t just fossils, they are fuel for expression, curiosity, and learning.  Hopefully, we will be able to catch up with Phoebe at this year’s DinoCon.

Keep drawing, Phoebe, we can’t wait to see what you create next!

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Phoebe brings prehistoric animals to life with such colour and imagination. We’re proud to have followed her journey and delighted to see how dinosaurs continue to inspire the next generation of artists.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Mike and Sue at Everything Dinosaur have been busy making preparations for the imminent arrival of the next Haolonggood model shipment. This shipment will include the two, new for 2025 Haolonggood Saurolophus dinosaur models. To celebrate the arrival of this taxon, a fact sheet about Saurolophus is being prepared. The fact sheet will include a scale drawing of Saurolophus. As the fact sheet focuses on the North American species Saurolophus osborni, the scale drawing represents this species.

This dinosaur, fossils of which are associated with the Horseshoe Canyon Formation of western Canada, is estimated to have measured around 8.5 metres in length.  However, the Asian species Saurolophus angustirostris was much larger.

The scale drawing of the hadrosaur Saurolophus osborni that has been prepared for use in the Everything Dinosaur Saurolophus fact sheet. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Known from extensive fossil material from Mongolia, S. angustirostris is estimated to have reached lengths in excess of twelve metres.  For example, acclaimed dinosaur expert Gregory S. Paul states a length of thirteen metres for S. angustirostris.

• Saurolophus osborni – Upper Cretaceous deposits from the Horseshoe Canyon Formation (Alberta, Canada) – length up to 8.5 metres, weight 3 tonnes.
• Saurolophus angustirostris – Upper Cretaceous deposits of the Nemegt Formation (Mongolia) – length more than 12 metres, weight 11 tonnes.

Scale drawings of the two valid Saurolophus species. S. osborni (top) and the much larger Mongolian species S. angustirostris (bottom). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The silhouette of the human figure in the image (above) provides the scale.

Haolonggood Saurolophus Models

We think that the Haolonggood figures are beautiful.  They have a declared scale of 1:35. Each model measures a little over twenty-two centimetres in length.  This suggests at 1:35 scale, that these models represent a dinosaur around eight metres in length. We have concluded, based on this data that the figures represent Saurolophus osborni.

The two new Haolonggood Saurolophus models. Foreground, Yue He (brown) and in the background Song Qing.

To view the range of Haolonggood prehistoric animal models in stock: Haolonggood Prehistoric Animal Models.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We try to write fact sheets that inform and educate.  For nearly every named prehistoric animal figure we sell a free fact sheet is provided.”

For prehistoric animal models and figures, visit: Everything Dinosaur.

A drawing of the giant South American dromaeosaur Austroraptor has been commissioned.  This was done to celebrate the arrival of the new Austroraptor cabazai model.  This colourful figure is new for 2025 and is the latest addition to the Wild Safari Prehistoric World range. Austroraptor was formally named and described in 2008 (Fernando Novas et al).  Dr Fernando Emilo Novas has named and described several dinosaurs from his native Argentina.  For example, ten years before the formal scientific description of A. cabazai, he named Megaraptor (M. namunhuaiquii).

When Novas described Megaraptor he thought the fossils represented a huge dromaeosaurid. It was thought at the time that an enormous fossil claw was from the second toe. Typical of a dromaeosaurid, but much larger than the claws associated with most dromaeosaurid taxa. However, subsequent analysis has revealed this claw to actually be a finger claw rather than a toe claw.  Megaraptor was not a giant dromaeosaurid.  However, with the formal description of Austroraptor, Argentina had its first giant “raptor”.

Austroraptor cabazai remains the largest dromaeosaur known to date from the Southern Hemisphere. Body size estimates vary. However, it could have reached a length of around six metres.

The Austroraptor cabazai model illustration commissioned by Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of Wild Safari Prehistoric World models in stock: Wild Safari Prehistoric World Figurines.

The Austroraptor cabazai Model Drawing

Everything Dinosaur commissioned the drawing so that it could be used in an Austroraptor fact sheet.  For nearly all the prehistoric animal figures that the company sells, they send out a free fact sheet. The fact sheet provides information about the prehistoric animal. Furthermore, a scale drawing is included.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We like to inform and educate.  Hopefully, the free fact sheets that we send out help.  In addition, we get sent lots of emails asking about dinosaurs and fossils.  We do all we can to answer these queries promptly.  The Austroraptor drawing will permit us to create a scale drawing of this Late Cretaceous Argentinian dromaeosaurid. This scale drawing will then feature on our new Austroraptor cabazai fact sheet.”

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Prehistoric Animal Figurines.

The new for 2025 Wild Safari Prehistoric World Austroraptor model is heading our way.  We expect this figure of Austroraptor cabazai to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in a few days. It is the largest dromaeosaurid known to date from the Southern Hemisphere. Size estimates vary, partly because the holotype specimen is fragmentary and also because a second referred specimen is around two thirds the size of the holotype.

Austroraptor may have reached a length of six metres, and it is estimated to have weighed around three hundred kilograms. Although heavier weight estimates have been proposed. For example, Benson et al proposed a much heavier body mass in a paper published in PLOS Biology (2014)*.

This paper looked at the remarkable morphological and ecological diversity of animals. Moreover, particular emphasis was placed on the Dinosauria. The researchers examined the theory that evolutionary rates are highest early in the evolution of a group, as lineages diversify to fill disparate ecological niches.

The team found rapid evolutionary rates in early dinosaur evolution, beginning in the Late Triassic. They postulated that this occurred as dinosaur body sizes diversified rapidly to fill new ecological niches, including herbivory. High rates were maintained only on the evolutionary line leading to birds. As part of their research, they estimated body size of animals based on the robustness or otherwise of their limbs. Austroraptor fossils were part of this study. A body mass estimate in excess of five hundred kilograms was reported.

The new for 2025 Wild Safari Prehistoric World Austroraptor figure shown in lateral view.

The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Austroraptor Model

Fortunately, this new dromaeosaurid figure is considerably lighter.  This attractive model of a feathered dinosaur measures a fraction over twenty-two and a half centimetres in length.  Those carefully painted black quills on the head are nearly eight centimetres off the ground.  This replica of Austroraptor cabazai will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur shortly.

To view the range of Wild Safari Prehistoric World figures: Safari Ltd. Wild Safari Prehistoric World Figures.

As part of preparations for the arrival of this theropod figure, Mike from Everything Dinosaur has been writing a fact sheet.  The fact sheet will include a scale drawing of Austroraptor cabazai.

The Austroraptor cabazai scale drawing prepared by Everything Dinosaur in anticipation of the arrival of the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Austroraptor figure. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike explained:

“We commission a drawing of most of the prehistoric animal models that we sell.  This drawing is then used to create a scale drawing, and this is added to our free fact sheet.  These scale drawings help our customers to appreciate the estimated size of the actual prehistoric animal.”

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post from December 2008 about the discovery of Austroraptor: Introducing Austroraptor – A Fearsome Predator of the Late Cretaceous.

The scientific paper*: “Rates of Dinosaur Body Mass Evolution Indicate 170 Million Years of Sustained Ecological Innovation on the Avian Stem Lineage” by Roger B. J. Benson, Nicolás E. Campione, Matthew T. Carrano, Philip D. Mannion, Corwin Sullivan, Paul Upchurch and David C. Evans published in PLOS Biology.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: The Everything Dinosaur Website.

Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur a wonderful Achillobator giganticus drawing.  Caldey is a big fan of the Beasts of the Mesozoic/Cyberzoic series.  To show her appreciation she sent into us her latest dromaeosaurid drawing. Our congratulations to you Caldey, it is a carefully composed and beautifully observed composition.

A fabulous illustration of the dromaeosaurid Achillobator by Caldey. The drawing shows a tremendous amount of detail, even individual feathers on the tail have been highlighted. Congratulations! Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

An Achillobator giganticus Drawing

Caldey has captured the movement of this lithe, but robust dromaeosaurid dinosaur. Achillobator is estimated to have reached a length of around five metres. It roamed the arid landscape of Late Cretaceous Mongolia. It was not as agile as smaller dinosaurs, but it was still capable of rapid movements. The long tail, most likely covered in plumage, helped this animal balance as it turned. It has been speculated that Achillobator was a pack hunter, and that this dromaeosaur specialised in hunting prey larger than itself.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“It is a dynamic drawing!  The dromaeosaur is depicted with its head raised and its large jaws open.  It could be pursuing prey or perhaps squabbling with another pack member.  I really like Caldey’s illustration, even individual feathers have been picked out.  It is a fantastic illustration of a dinosaur.”

Inspired by the Beasts of the Mesozoic Range

The artwork and figures in the Beasts of the Mesozoic model range have inspired several artists.  Team members have received lots of dinosaur drawings.  The beautiful package art for the Achillobator model (pictured below) was created by Brennan Stokkermans.  These are extremely realistic depictions of dromaeosaurids.

Superb product packaging! The new Beasts of the Mesozoic Utahraptor model (top). The product packaging for the Achillobator giganticus figure is shown underneath. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of Beasts of the Mesozoic/Cyberzoic figures: Beasts of the Mesozoic Models.

Mike continued his praise for Caldey’s illustration commenting:

“Preserved tissue traces on the femur and tibia indicate that Achillobator had powerful legs. In addition, analysis of the pelvis and hip area suggests that this dinosaur was adapted for leaping. Although not as manoeuvrable as smaller dromaeosaurs, despite its size Achillobator was probably extremely agile.  Caldey’s drawing highlights the agility of this carnivorous dinosaur.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a Phorusrhacos scale drawing.  This illustration is to be used in the Phorusrhacos fact sheet.  This fact sheet will be sent out free of charge with sales of the new CollectA Deluxe Phorusrhacos figure.  Commonly referred to as a “Terror Bird”, Phorusrhacos (P. longissimus) is thought to have measured around 2.8 metres long.  It stood around 2.4 metres high.  Furthermore, the skull was huge, one of the largest known in the Aves.  The skull measured around sixty-five centimetres long.

Phorusrhacos (P. longissimus) is thought to have stood approximately 2.4 metres high. This apex predator probably weighed around 130 kilograms. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We are expecting the CollectA Deluxe Phorusrhacos model to be in stock shortly.  Fans of these giant birds have been requesting a new and updated figure.  It joins the Kelenken model that was introduced by CollectA back in 2011.”

The Phorusrhacos Scale Drawing

Scale drawings of prehistoric animals, such as Phorusrhacos longissimus, help model collectors visualise the size and proportions of “Terror Birds”. These illustrations help to enhance understanding. In addition, the free fact sheets supplied by Everything Dinosaur are valuable educational tools.

The CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Phorusrhacos model.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life Figures.

Mike added:

“The new CollectA Deluxe Phorusrhacos is on a base.  The base itself has plenty of detail including a shed canine tooth from a sparassodont.  Scientists now know that these types of cursorial birds had an enlarged claw on their second toe.  This large claw, similar to the killing claw of Velociraptors may have been used to pin prey.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

The new for 2025 1/40th scale Maip macrothorax model from CollectA has been the inspiration for a new Maip macrothorax illustration.  Everything Dinosaur team members have commissioned this drawing to use in the company’s free Maip fact sheet. Furthermore, this fact sheet will be sent out with sales of the new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Maip figure.

The Maip macrothorax scale drawing to be used in a dinosaur fact sheet sent out with sales of the CollectA Deluxe Age of Dinosaurs Maip macrothorax model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Maip (M. macrothorax) was formally named and described in 2022 (Rolando et al). It is the largest member of the Megaraptoridae family of theropods known to science. It measured around nine to ten metres in length.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s article from 2022 but Maip macrothorax: Life Imitates Art with a Remarkable Fossil Find.

The CollectA Deluxe Maip macrothorax Model

This new theropod dinosaur figure is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur later this year (2025).  Moreover, it is the only carnivorous dinosaur model to be added to the CollectA range of figures in 2025.  The finished model measures approximately twenty-six centimetres in length.  These measurements suggest that the 1:40 scale is quite accurate.  The scale size declaration being based on estimates that this dinosaur measured around nine to ten metres long.

To view the CollectA Deluxe range of models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Deluxe Models.

The official image of the new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Maip macrothorax figure.

Picture credit: CollectA

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“The Maip macrothorax model from CollectA has the incredible detail and artistry that fans of dinosaurs adore. Congratulations to CollectA for brilliantly bringing this magnificent dinosaur to life!”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.